Research and development cost accounting standard sets rules for measurement, assignment, presentation, and disclosure in cost statements. Cost Accounting Standard on Research and Development Costs lays down principles for classification, measurement, assignment, presentation and disclosure of research and development costs in cost statements. It includes directly traceable costs and costs assigned on a cause-and-effect or benefits-received basis, while excluding subsidies, grants, abnormal costs, fines, penalties, damages and imputed costs. Research and development costs attributable to a specific cost object are assigned directly, development costs resulting in an intangible asset are amortised over useful life, and costs relating to improvement of an existing process or product are included in cost of production, subject to the stated conditions.